Shortage of Petrol and Diesel in Punjab as Nationwide Truckers Protest, Long Queues at Petrol Pumps
Protest Against Stringent Hit-and-Run Law Causes Disruption in Transportation Services
Petrol and Diesel Shortage in Punjab Latest News: Shortage of Petrol and Diesel in Punjab As truck and bus drivers stage widespread strikes across the nation, protesting the newly-implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and its stringent penalties for hit-and-run cases, a fuel shortage crisis ensues. As per the reports, there have been shortage of 70% of petrol and diesel in Punjab. The controversial law, replacing the British-era Indian Penal Code, imposes a hefty Rs 7 lakh penalty and a 10-year jail term for hit-and-run incidents, leading to disruptions in transportation services and long queues at petrol pumps.
Protests Against Stringent Hit-and-Run Penalties
Truck, Taxi and bus drivers, organized under the banner of the All India Motor Transport Congress, are vehemently opposing the newly-passed law that introduces severe penalties for hit-and-run cases. The provision, yet to come into force, stipulates a Rs 7 lakh penalty and a 10-year jail term for offenders, a stark contrast to the previous maximum two-year imprisonment under Section 304A of the IPC. The transporters argue that these provisions can result in undue harassment and are demanding their recall.
Nationwide Strikes Cause Fuel Shortages
The protests have triggered widespread strikes in states like Punjab, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal, causing a significant shortage of fuel in various cities. Panic-buying among vehicle owners has resulted in long queues outside petrol pumps. The disruption in transportation services has not only impacted fuel availability but has also inconvenienced numerous passengers.
Transporters Demand Repeal of Controversial Law
The All India Motor Transport Congress asserts that the new law's provisions could lead to unjust harassment and insists on its repealment. In Punjab, commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, refrained from operating in protest on Monday. Truck drivers initiated demonstrations on major roads, disrupting traffic in places like Moga and assembling at the Shambhu border near Ambala, hindering the movement of trucks.
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As the protests continue, authorities are grappling with the twin challenges of ensuring the smooth flow of transportation and addressing the concerns raised by the truckers' community regarding the contentious hit-and-run law.
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